# Emerson Fittipaldi on Jochen Rindt’s death

> Emerson Fittipaldi became Team Lotus’ F1 leader after Jochen Rindt’s fatal crash.
- Title: Emerson Fittipaldi on Jochen Rindt’s death · Motorsport
- Summary: Emerson Fittipaldi became Team Lotus’ F1 leader after Jochen Rindt’s fatal crash. Emerson Fittipaldi replaced Jochen Rindt as Team Lotus’ F1 driver following…
- Keywords: emerson fittipaldi, jochen rindt, team lotus, formula 1, colin chapman, lotus 72, formula 2, formula 3, formula ford, formula vee, watkins glen, Emerson
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/emerson-fittipaldi-jochen-rindt-death-team-lotus-leader/10861073
- Author: Ben Vinel
- Published: 2026-10-04T16:00:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: emerson fittipaldi, jochen rindt, team lotus, formula 1, colin chapman, lotus 72, f1, formula 2, formula 3, formula ford, formula vee, watkins glen
## Emerson Fittipaldi’s early F1 career
In 1970, Brazil had no successful F1 driver, but 23-year-old Emerson Fittipaldi was rising in Formula 2 with Lotus.
## Jochen Rindt’s fatal crash
Rindt died in qualifying practice for the 1970 Italian Grand Prix after a crash.
## Fittipaldi steps in
Fittipaldi replaced Rindt in Formula 2 after breakfast with Rindt, who invited him to drive.

> We had breakfast together. He invited me to replace him in Formula 2. I accepted, I shook his hand, and a few hours later he got killed.
## Colin Chapman’s support
Chapman promised full support to Fittipaldi as Team Lotus’ number-one driver after Rindt’s death.

> Emerson, you will be our number-one driver. I said, Colin, I don't have experience. He said, We are going to support you 100%.
## Fittipaldi’s performance
Fittipaldi won his first grand prix at Watkins Glen, helping Lotus secure its fourth world title.
## Chapman’s emotional impact
Chapman felt deep grief after losing Rindt, saying he feared losing Fittipaldi too.

> Emerson, I don't want to get very close to you, I am afraid one day I can lose you.
## Key takeaway

Emerson Fittipaldi replaced Jochen Rindt as Team Lotus’ F1 driver following Rindt’s death in 1970.